Post by Everton News. on Jul 27, 2017 21:49:31 GMT

Everton Under-23s begin their Premier League 2 title defence with a trip to West Ham United on Friday 11 August (7pm kick-off).

The young Blues were crowned inaugural champions of the competition in 2016/17, finishing with an impressive 48 points from their 22 games.

David Unsworth’s side will play the Hammers at Dagenham and Redbridge’s Chigwell Construction Stadium next month, before facing Leicester City at Goodison Park a week later - another 7pm kick-off - in their opening home game.

The first Merseyside mini derby of the season will be hosted by Liverpool at Prenton Park on Sunday 11 November (1pm kick-off), with the return set to take place at Southport’s Merseyrail Community Stadium on Monday 16 April (7pm kick-off).

Four days later, the Toffees will close their 2017/18 league campaign with a trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United.